The Washington Wizards mascot has retained legal counsel following an incident in whichLos AngelesLakers forward Jaxson Hayes shoved the costumed character during pre-game introductions on 30 January. The person behind the G-Wiz costume has enlisted Waukeen McCoy, the same San Francisco-based attorney who previously represented Sofia Jamora in her domestic violence lawsuit against Hayes.
McCoy confirmed his representation of the mascot performer, stating that legal action is anticipated. 'We will give them the opportunity to resolve the matter before taking legal action,' the attorney told TMZ Sports, adding that other parties could potentially be involved in any forthcoming lawsuit. When questioned about injuries sustained during the incident, McCoy remained circumspect, revealing only that 'he was injured.'
The National Basketball Association (NBA) suspended Hayes for one game following the altercation, a punishment he served during the Lakers' game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena. The 24-year-old forward addressed the incident during a media availability session, offering apologies to both his teammates and themascothimself.
Hayes explained that the confrontation occurred after G-Wiz stepped on his foot during the pre-game festivities. 'We live and we learn,' the player remarked, seemingly attempting to move past the controversy. However, his explanation has done little to quell the brewing legal storm.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductionsHayes has been suspended for one game, [email protected]/x4xz2Ndw2I
BREAKING: A domestic disturbance involving Jaxson Hayes from 2021 is being revisited by the NBA League office after TMZ release new video footage.Hayes was seen spitting on a woman after she accused him of hitting her.Thoughts? 🤔pic.twitter.com/LWILqk8Xx1
McCoy's involvement in this case marks his second legal battle involving the Lakers forward. The attorney successfully secured asettlementfor Jamora in her domestic violence lawsuit against Hayes in June 2025, which he described as being 'settled amicably.' This prior relationship between lawyer and defendant adds an intriguing dimension to the current proceedings.
In the aftermath of the mascot incident, McCoy publicly criticised the NBA's handling of allegations against Hayes, drawing unfavourable comparisons between the league's swift action regarding the mascot incident and its response todomestic violenceaccusations. 'If it's a woman, they drag their feet,' McCoy toldTMZ Sports, highlighting what he perceives as inconsistent disciplinary standards within the organisation.
The attorney's comments underscore broader concerns about how professional sports leagues address different types of misconduct, particularly when comparing violence against women to other on-court incidents.
Jaxson Hayes said he apologized to his team and the Wizards mascot after last week’s incident that led to his suspension. Here’s his explanation of what happened:pic.twitter.com/OSDCKdloXh
Source: International Business Times UK
